CBCP urges respect for rule of law amid impeachment trial

SINACABAN, Misamis Occidental — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday, July 10, reiterated their call for unity and accountability as the nation closely watches the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, head of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue, announced the creation of an Interreligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation to monitor developments in the impeachment proceedings. He stressed that the Church’s position remains firm: the constitutional process must be allowed to run its course.

“This is not a condemnation of our vice president,” Bagaforo said at a press conference here.

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He added: “We are not taking sides for or against her. What we uphold here is the Constitution and the rule of law. Let the process reach its own verdict, and I believe the people will accept it.”

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Bagaforo said public interest in the Senate proceedings remains high, with many Filipinos closely following the trial.

He pointed out that the Church’s advocacy is anchored on two principles: justice and accountability. Justice, he said, must be served both for those facing allegations of corruption and for those accused. Accountability, meanwhile, reminds public officials that the power entrusted to them by the people must be exercised responsibly.

The bishop also lamented the country’s deep political divisions, symbolized by the “many colors” representing partisan affiliations. He urged Filipinos to set aside political loyalties and patronage and instead work together for the common good.

“Our prayer is for unity,” Bagaforo said. “If we want progress and good governance, we must unite. The Church will not stop being the moral conscience of our people. When God comes first, governance will be better, and our nation will be stronger.” /das

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